Motorcycle & ATV

The term "All-Terrain Vehicle" or ATV in North America (quad-bike or quad elsewhere) is used in a general sense to describe any of a number of small open motorized buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use. more...

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However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines an ATV as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, and with handlebars for steering control. By the current ANSI definition it is intended for use by a single operator, although a change to include 2-seaters (in tandem) is under consideration.

The rider sits on and operates these vehicles like a motorcycle, but the extra wheels give more stability at slow speeds. Although typically equipped with three or four wheels, six-wheel models exist for specialized applications. Engine sizes of ATVs currently for sale in the United States (as of 2008 products) range from 49 cc to 950 cc.

Development

Early days

ATVs were made in the United States a decade before 3- and 4-wheeled vehicles were introduced by Honda and other Japanese companies. During the 1930s numerous manufacturers offered similar small off-road vehicles that were designed to float and were capable of traversing low walls, ponds and streams as well as dry land. Typically constructed from a hard plastic or fiberglass "tub", they usually had six wheels—all driven—with low pressure (around 3 PSI) balloon tires, no suspension (other than what the tires offered) and skid-steer steering. These early amphibious models were the original all-terrain vehicles—or ATVs. Contrary to today's ANSI definition of an ATV, they were intended for multiple riders, sitting inside, and would usually have steering wheels or control sticks rather than motorcycle-type handle bars as stipulated in the current definition.

Since the advent of three- and four-wheeled, straddled ATVs, these have more or less 'taken over' the term, leaving the 6x6 and 8x8 floating variety now mostly known as AATVs (Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles). Current brands of these machines include Argo and MAX. Though not as fast as other ATVs, they can be operated with precision at slow speeds and, of course, have the ability to float. The spinning action of the tires is enough to propel the vehicle through the water, albeit slowly. Outboard motors can be added for extended water use.

Three wheelers

Honda made the first three-wheeled ATVs in 1970, which were famously portrayed in the James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever. Dubbed the US90 and later—when Honda acquired the trademark on the term—the ATC90, it was designed purely for recreational use. Clearly influenced by earlier ATVs, it featured large balloon tires instead of a mechanical suspension.

Read more at Wikipedia.org